Schwartz received a call from the Chargers shortly before 1 p.m. Monday informing him that the team would let the deadline pass without placing the franchise tag on Jackson but that they are interested in re-signing the Pro Bowl wide receiver.

We’ll know soon whether these two will be united long term or split and go their separate ways.

All the right things are being said, and Jackson may yet remain in San Diego. But that likely is contingent on other suitors not wowing arguably the best wideout available in free agency.

Speaking before the deadline, Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith addressed the $13.7 million one-year price that the franchise tag would require.

“If we decide to franchise Vincent we all know the number,” Smith said. “If we decide to pursue a long-term deal we will have a great offer, a great package both in years and money. I hope it’s acceptable to them. We would love to have Vincent continue to be a member of our team. If they like our contract and think it’s of fair value for them, they will accept. If not, they will be picking a team and contract to their liking — a team that they feel is best for them. I understand the process and respect their position.”

The Chargers have a number in mind for Jackson that likely includes a finite amount of wiggle room.

But they have given away their leverage. Jackson is now available to 31 other teams, and as many as eight of them are considered serious suitors. While league sources in recent weeks have said the receiver market won’t be as lucrative as Jackson might hope, even the Chargers know there is at least one team out there that is expected to push the market for Jackson.

Also, it is believed the Buffalo Bills remain interested in Jackson despite signing Stevie Johnson to a five-year, $36.25 million deal on Monday. And, at least theoretically, Jackson was helped when Dwayne Bowe received the franchise tag from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Working in the Chargers’ favor, though, is Jackson’s desire to remain in San Diego. According to those familiar with his thinking, he has compartmentalized his feelings about the team and wants to remain a part of the offense led by Philip Rivers and devised by Norv Turner. He would, according to sources, take less from the Chargers than another team, though not a whole lot less.

This despite an uneasy coexistence with the Chargers that began with him essentially being forced to agree to a five-year contract as a rookie.

Over the seven years since the Chargers drafted Jackson out of Northern Colorado in the second round of the 2005 draft, the team has paid him approximately $15 million.